Psalms 4:8

KJV

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will both {H3162} lay me down {H7901} in peace {H7965}, and sleep {H3462}: for thou, LORD {H3068}, only {H910} makest me dwell {H3427} in safety {H983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will lie down and sleep in peace; for, ADONAI, you alone make me live securely.

Berean Standard Bible

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

American Standard Version

In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone makest me dwell in safety.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 4:8 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith and tranquil surrender, even in the face of adversity. It articulates the psalmist's deep confidence that true peace and secure rest are found exclusively in the Lord, who alone provides safety. This verse encapsulates a spiritual serenity that transcends external circumstances, allowing for restful sleep grounded in divine protection and trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 4 is a prayer of David, often categorized as a lament or prayer of trust in distress, following closely on the heels of Psalm 3, which also addresses the theme of divine protection amidst numerous enemies. While Psalm 3 focuses on God's immediate deliverance from overwhelming foes, Psalm 4 shifts to an appeal for vindication and a call to repentance for those who oppose the psalmist. Verse 8 serves as the triumphant conclusion to this prayer, demonstrating the psalmist's ultimate trust and the peace that results from placing one's security in God, regardless of the ongoing challenges. It contrasts sharply with the anxieties of those who "love vanity and seek after lies" (Psalm 4:2), highlighting the unique peace available to those who trust in the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, likely during a period of intense personal or national distress—perhaps during Absalom's rebellion or another significant threat to his throne and life—Psalm 4 reflects the realities of leadership in ancient Israel. Kings faced constant external threats and internal conspiracies. In such a volatile environment, the ability to "lay me down in peace, and sleep" was not a given but a profound act of faith, signifying a complete surrender of anxieties to a higher power. Ancient cultures often viewed sleep as a vulnerable state, making the psalmist's declaration of peaceful rest a powerful testament to God's omnipresent guardianship, a stark contrast to the sleepless nights of those consumed by fear or plotting.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 4 and the Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Peace and Rest**, portraying a tranquility that is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound inner wholeness (Hebrew: _shalom_) bestowed by God, enabling restful sleep even amidst turmoil. This peace surpasses human understanding and worldly solutions, echoing the promise found in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). Secondly, it highlights **God as the Sole Source of Safety**, emphasizing that true security (Hebrew: _betach_) is not found in human strength, military might, or material possessions, but exclusively in the Lord. This resonates with the recurring biblical emphasis on God as a [refuge and strength](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). Lastly, the verse exemplifies **Unwavering Trust in Adversity**, demonstrating a profound reliance on God's faithfulness despite the presence of adversaries or distress. This trust allows the psalmist to release anxiety and embrace rest, mirroring the call to cast all anxieties on God because [He cares for you](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (שלום, _shalom'_):** Far more comprehensive than the English "peace," _shalom_ signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and harmony. It denotes a state of flourishing and right relationship, both with God and with others. To "lay me down in peace" implies a holistic sense of well-being and security, not just the absence of conflict, but a profound inner tranquility that comes from being in God's presence and under His care.
* **Sleep (ישן, _yashen'_):** This verb literally means to sleep, but in this context, it carries significant theological weight. Sleep is a state of vulnerability and surrender. The psalmist's ability to sleep peacefully, despite external threats, underscores a profound trust that God is actively watching over him even when he is most defenseless. It is an act of releasing control and anxieties into divine hands.
* **Safety (בטח, _betach'_):** This noun refers to security, confidence, and a secure dwelling place. It is derived from a root meaning "to trust" or "to be confident." The psalmist's declaration that the Lord "only makest me dwell in safety" emphasizes that this security is not self-generated or dependent on human defenses, but is a divine provision, rooted in God's trustworthy character and His exclusive ability to provide ultimate protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep":** This clause expresses the psalmist's firm resolve and confident expectation. Despite the distress and opposition mentioned earlier in the psalm, the psalmist declares his intention to find rest. The "peace" here is not merely external quietude but an internal _shalom_, a profound sense of well-being that allows for genuine, undisturbed sleep. It signifies a surrender of anxieties and a trust that all is well under God's sovereign care.
* **"for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety":** This second clause provides the foundational reason and theological justification for the psalmist's peaceful rest. The "for" (כּי, _ki_) introduces the cause. The emphasis on "LORD" (יהוה, _Yahweh_) highlights God's covenant faithfulness and personal relationship with His people. The word "only" (לבדי, _levadi_) underscores the exclusivity of God's role as protector. He alone is the source of true and lasting safety (_betach_), providing a secure dwelling place that transcends any earthly threat or human vulnerability.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 4:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of trust and peace. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the psalmist's tranquil rest against the backdrop of the adversaries and their "vain pursuits" (Psalm 4:2). While others are restless and anxious, the psalmist finds profound serenity. There is also a strong element of **Hyperbole** or absolute declaration in the phrase "thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety," emphasizing the singular and unparalleled nature of God's protective power. The act of "laying down in peace and sleep" functions as a **Metaphor** for complete surrender and trust, where physical rest symbolizes spiritual repose and freedom from anxiety. Finally, the verse contains a subtle **Cause and Effect** relationship, where God's unique provision of safety is the direct cause of the psalmist's ability to rest peacefully.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 4:8 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that genuine security and peace are found not in external circumstances or human efforts, but in an unwavering trust in the sovereign Lord. This verse beautifully illustrates the concept of _shalom_ as a holistic well-being gifted by God, enabling His children to rest even amidst chaos. It underscores God's unique role as our ultimate Protector and Provider, challenging us to re-evaluate where we place our confidence. This divine provision of peace and safety is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, promising rest for the weary soul and a secure dwelling for those who take refuge in Him.

* [Psalm 3:5](/psalms/3-5 "Psalm 3:5 - I Lay Down and Slept")
* [Proverbs 3:24](/proverbs/3-24 "Proverbs 3:24 - You Will Lie Down and Your Sleep Will Be Sweet")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and relentless demands, Psalm 4:8 offers a timeless invitation to find profound rest and security in God alone. This verse calls us to a radical act of faith: to consciously release our worries, fears, and the burdens of our day into the hands of a trustworthy God. It challenges the modern inclination to seek security in financial stability, personal control, or material possessions, redirecting our gaze to the one true source of lasting safety. When we truly believe that the Lord "only" makes us dwell in safety, we are empowered to surrender our anxieties, cultivate a deeper trust, and experience a spiritual and emotional rest that transcends our circumstances. This divine peace is not merely the absence of trouble, but a deep, abiding confidence that God is actively watching over us, providing for us, and protecting us, allowing us to find genuine repose for our souls, day or night.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What anxieties or external circumstances currently prevent you from experiencing true peace and restful sleep?**
* **In what ways do you typically seek safety or security apart from God, and how might Psalm 4:8 challenge those inclinations?**
* **How can you more intentionally practice surrendering your worries to the Lord before resting, both physically and spiritually?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to truly believe that the Lord "only" makes you dwell in safety?**

### FAQ
**How can I genuinely "lay me down in peace, and sleep" when my circumstances are full of turmoil?**

Answer: The peace described in Psalm 4:8 is not contingent on the absence of external trouble, but on the presence of God. It's an internal _shalom_ that comes from trusting God's sovereignty and care, even when circumstances are chaotic. The psalmist himself was likely in great distress when he wrote this. The key is to consciously surrender your anxieties to God, acknowledging His control and faithfulness. This is a deliberate act of faith, choosing to rest in His protection rather than being consumed by fear. As [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray") encourages, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

**Is this verse only about physical sleep, or does it have a broader spiritual meaning?**

Answer: While the verse literally refers to physical sleep, its meaning extends far beyond that. The ability to sleep peacefully is a powerful metaphor for spiritual and emotional rest. It signifies a state of inner tranquility, freedom from anxiety, and a deep sense of security that comes from trusting God. This spiritual rest allows one to face life's challenges with composure, knowing that God is ultimately in control. It speaks to a holistic well-being where one's soul finds repose in the Lord, as Jesus invited, "[Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")."

**What does it mean that the LORD "only" makes me dwell in safety?**

Answer: The word "only" (לבדי, _levadi_) emphasizes the exclusivity and uniqueness of God's role as the ultimate provider of safety. It means that while human efforts, security measures, or worldly resources might offer temporary or partial protection, true, lasting, and comprehensive safety comes from God alone. He is the ultimate refuge and stronghold. This highlights a theological truth: our deepest security is not found in what we can achieve or accumulate, but in God's unfailing presence and protection. It's a call to depend solely on Him for our ultimate well-being and security, recognizing that all other sources are insufficient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 4:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), the one who truly embodies and bestows the _shalom_ that the psalmist yearned for. In a world full of turmoil, Jesus offers a peace that is unlike any the world can give, declaring, "[Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")." He is the secure dwelling place, the ultimate refuge where believers can truly "dwell in safety." His finished work on the cross provides the [atonement](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - Reconciliation Through Christ") that reconciles us to God, removing the ultimate threat of sin and death, thereby establishing our eternal safety. Furthermore, Jesus Himself demonstrated perfect trust in His Father, even facing the cross, ultimately resting in the tomb before His resurrection, showing that even in death, true safety and peace are found in God's sovereign plan. Through Him, we are invited to cast all our anxieties on God, knowing that He cares for us, and to find true rest for our souls in His finished work, as He promised, "[Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")." He is our ultimate security, allowing us to lie down in peace and sleep, knowing that our lives, both now and eternally, are safe in His hands.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 3:24

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Psalms 3:5

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

Job 11:18

And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig [about thee, and] thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

Job 11:19

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

Psalms 16:8

¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psalms 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:10

Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.